Exxon Mobil can sue California attorney general over recycling

NEW YORK, Feb 15 (Reuters): A federal judge on Friday rejected California Attorney General Rob Bonta's bid to dismiss Exxon Mobil's lawsuit accusing him of defamation in criticizing the oil giant's advanced plastics recycling initiatives.

US District Judge Michael Truncale rejected Bonta's claim he was immune from being sued because he criticized Exxon in his official capacity as attorney general, and in the "heartland" of his employment duties. The Beaumont, Texas-based judge also said whether Bonta criticized Exxon in good faith was a question of fact to be determined later.

Truncale dismissed related claims against the environmental groups Sierra Club, Baykeeper, Heal the Bay and the Surfrider Foundation, saying he lacked jurisdiction.